Entertainment and Dining in Knoxville, TN
Knoxville, Tennessee is a city that knows how to entertain and feed your soul. From world-class live music and family-friendly attractions to an eclectic food scene that rivals bigger cities, Knoxville offers a wide range of entertainment and dining options that make it a truly vibrant place to live. Whether you’re exploring Market Square, catching a show at a historic theater, or grabbing a bite at a local food truck, you’ll find that Knoxville is as flavorful as it is fun.
Live Music & Entertainment
Knoxville has deep musical roots and a thriving live music scene. As the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains and part of the Tennessee Music Pathways, the city blends the charm of bluegrass and country with the energy of rock, jazz, and indie sounds.
- Historic Venues: Enjoy live performances at the iconic Tennessee Theatre and Bijou Theatre, both located in downtown Knoxville. These beautifully restored venues host concerts, Broadway shows, symphonies, and more throughout the year.
- Live Music Spots: You’ll find live music nearly every night at venues like Barley’s Taproom, The Mill & Mine, Open Chord, and Preservation Pub in the Old City.
- Annual Events: Knoxville hosts several major festivals, including the Big Ears Festival, Dogwood Arts Festival, and the Southern Skies Music Festival, bringing nationally known acts and thousands of music lovers to the city.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Entertainment in Knoxville isn’t just for adults. Families moving to the area will find no shortage of fun, educational, and kid-friendly activities.
- Zoo Knoxville is home to over 900 animals and is one of the top zoos in the Southeast, especially known for its conservation programs and red panda exhibit.
- World’s Fair Park offers splash fountains, open lawns, and the Sunsphere—a remnant of the 1982 World’s Fair that now serves as an observation tower with panoramic city views.
- Muse Knoxville and The Knoxville Museum of Art provide interactive, cultural experiences for both kids and adults.
- Neyland Stadium on Saturdays in the fall—whether you’re a UT fan or not—is an unforgettable experience with over 100,000 fans cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers.
Knoxville’s Dining Scene
Knoxville’s culinary offerings are diverse, creative, and steadily growing. Whether you’re looking for Southern comfort food, elevated dining, or global flavors, the city has a spot for every palate and price point.
- Downtown & Market Square – Home to local favorites like Tupelo Honey, The Tomato Head, and Oliver Royale, this walkable area is perfect for brunch, dinner, or drinks after a show.
- Old City – This revitalized district combines industrial charm with hip bars, breweries, and restaurants like Lonesome Dove Western Bistro, Kaizen, and Boyd’s Jig & Reel, a Scottish pub known for its live music and whisky selection.
- Craft Breweries & Local Drinks – Knoxville has over 20 craft breweries, including Albright Grove, Schulz Bräu, and Balter Beerworks, forming a vibrant beer scene and self-guided Ale Trail for enthusiasts.
- Global Cuisine – The city features a rich mix of international restaurants, including Thai, Indian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Korean BBQ, and more. Hidden gems are scattered throughout neighborhoods like Bearden, Cedar Bluff, and North Knoxville.
Ready to find your dream home in Knoxville? Contact us today and let Worley Builders, Inc. help you make the move to a community you’ll love!